Ever since I discovered the magic of soups in a crockpot, I have been experimenting with ways to transform classic comfort foods into warm, hearty bowls of goodness. One of my all-time favorite creations is Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup. It combines all the flavors of the beloved Italian dish—crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese—without ever having to turn on the oven. From the first spoonful, it instantly warms your soul and brings back memories of family dinners, yet it’s light enough for a weeknight meal.
You will love this recipe because it captures the essence of chicken parmesan in a wholesome, cozy soup. The flavors meld beautifully in the crockpot, giving you tender chunks of chicken surrounded by a flavorful tomato broth and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part is that it practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the vegetables, swap pasta types, or even make it creamier by adding a splash of cream or milk. It’s perfect for meal prep because it reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day. You can serve it as a main dish, pair it with a simple salad, or even turn it into a lighter version by using whole-grain pasta or adding more vegetables.
Another reason to love this soup is how affordable it is. With basic pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank. No fancy cheeses or exotic sauces are needed—just simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, comforting flavor.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 cup diced onions
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup uncooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
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½ cup chicken ham, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
This combination of ingredients promises a comforting, flavorful soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. From the tender chicken to the cheesy finish, every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of taste and texture.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is surprisingly simple, and using a crockpot ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully while you focus on other tasks. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, making it quick, easy, and completely customizable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful from the very beginning.
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Cook the Turkey Bacon and Chicken Ham: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ½ cup of turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and chop it into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, lightly sauté ½ cup of chicken ham for 2–3 minutes until slightly browned. This adds smoky and savory layers to the soup.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 cup of diced onions and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step builds the soup’s flavor base, so don’t skip it.
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Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the cooked onions and garlic into the crockpot. Add the seasoned chicken breasts, cooked turkey bacon, chicken ham, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
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Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and the flavors will fully develop.
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Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir thoroughly.
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Add Pasta: Add 1 cup of uncooked pasta to the crockpot. Cook on high for another 15–20 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Incorporate Cheese: Lower the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and rich.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. You can also add extra herbs like basil or oregano for more flavor.
Quick and Easy Tips
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To save time, cook the turkey bacon and chicken ham in advance.
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Use pre-minced garlic or frozen diced onions if you want to reduce prep time.
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If you prefer, substitute the pasta with whole-grain options or small shells for a healthier twist.
Customization Ideas
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Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to make it more nutrient-packed.
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For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup of cream or milk just before adding the cheese.
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Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes.
Popular With Many People
This soup has quickly become a crowd-pleaser because it combines the familiar flavors of chicken parmesan with the cozy, comforting nature of a homemade soup. Families love it because it’s filling yet balanced, and friends rave about the cheesy, savory taste. It’s perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can prepare it exactly as described, or you can tailor it to your preferences without losing the core flavors. Whether served as a hearty meal for one or shared with a crowd, this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup never fails to impress.
PrintCrockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it combines tender chicken, savory turkey bacon, chicken ham, rich tomato broth, pasta, and melted cheese for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 7
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or small shells)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- ½ cup chicken ham, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Cook turkey bacon in a skillet until crisp, then chop.
- Sauté chicken ham for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Transfer onions, garlic, turkey bacon, chicken ham, and chicken breasts into the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot.
- Add uncooked pasta and cook on high for 15–20 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Lower heat to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to taste before serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add ½ cup of milk or cream before the cheese.
Optional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added during step 6.
Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for best results.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop further overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
2. Can I use leftover chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Simply add shredded or diced cooked chicken to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and proceed with the pasta and cheese steps.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, cook the pasta fresh when reheating, as frozen pasta may become mushy.
4. Can I make this soup creamier?
Yes, adding ½ cup of milk or cream before stirring in the cheese will make it extra creamy without overpowering the flavors.
5. Can I adjust the pasta type?
Definitely. Rotini, penne, or small shells work best. Whole-grain pasta is a healthier alternative, but adjust cooking time slightly to ensure tenderness.
6. Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it’s customizable. You can omit red pepper flakes, reduce onions, or add extra cheese to suit personal preferences, making it appealing to both kids and adults.